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USD 266 Maize school board, District 2, Position 5

Candidates for Maize school board
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  • Randy Ficken

    Business Consultant
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  • Candidate Picture

    Nancy Hughbanks

    School teacher
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Randy Ficken
Nancy Hughbanks
  1. Biographical Information
  2. The Legislature may cut millions in education funding in the next two years to address state budget shortfalls. How should your school district scale back spending?
  3. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, all students are expected to meet proficiency standards by 2014. How would you ensure student achievement in your district?
  4. If elected to the board of education, what would be your top priority?
Randy Ficken: USD 266 has put into place a plan that includes certified and classified staff, administration and members of the public as teams who are and will continue to analyze the budget and what areas need to be trimmed in order to match the numbers in which our funding is cut while ensuring that we maintain high standards of excellence. The board will then review the findings and make its decision. This methodology has so far proven to be highly effective and it ensures buy in from all parties.
Randy Ficken: By ensuring that we maintain a rigorous curriculum for all students, working with those students who may be lacking in the basic fundamentals as well as working with those who are high achievers to ensure that they as well do not fall behind. In addition, I will continue to make certain that students gain the skills in creativity and critical thinking while meeting proficiency standards.
Randy Ficken: To continue to improve on what works and is effective in our processes and procedures, to revamp those areas that are lacking, and to continue to move the board to a higher level of accountability to the people as well as integrity of process. Secondly, to work to acquire funding for programs within our education community while ensuring that our tax load remains low.
Education/Degrees: Degree/Business Administration
Occupation: Business Consultant
Community Involvement: Vice President, Sedgwick County Pachyderm, The Heritage Foundation
Children in school: Daughter, 2004 Graduate Son, 2007 Graduate
Political experience: 8 Years USD 266 Board of Education Past President, Vice President, Sedgwick County Pachyderm
How long lived in district: 27 Years
Campaign Phone: 316.773.0980
E-mail: rfmboe@gmail.com
Web site: rficken-maizeboe.info
Nancy Hughbanks: At present, we have eleven committees who are meeting to discuss that very topic. They are a cross section of all our employees. They have looked at their departments to see where expenses can be cut that will least effect our students. By listening to these suggestions first, it will be easier for all when budget cuts are made within our district.
Nancy Hughbanks: I would like to set up a mentoring system for students who struggle in the classroom. Their mentor could be a patron within our district, or a high school student through their community service requirements. It is a known fact that when our students have someone who is encouraging them, monitoring their grades, helping with homework, and who truely care about them, all parties benefit.
Nancy Hughbanks: There are two main areas I would like to address. First, I will work diligently to make sure that fiscal decisions will be made with the students' best interests in mind. I also believe that it is critical that all stakeholders be kept informed of our district's financial situation. Second, it is crucial that we keep communication open between the BOE, teachers, patrons, and parents. When these groups work as one, we will achieve the stability that our students deserve.
Age: 57
Education/Degrees: BA degree from Wichita State University in education
Occupation: Sixth grade teacher at Maize Middle School. I will be retiring at the end of this school year.
Community Involvement: Served on Haysville Board of Education. Other committees include P.T.O., Booster Club, School Improvement, and Bond Issue.
Children in school: We have three grown children. Twins: Staci 37, Stephanie 37, and Bryce 34
Political experience: I was on the Haysville School Board
How long lived in district: Twenty-one years
Campaign Phone: 316-773-9192
E-mail: shughbanks@cox.net
Social media (list any pages on Facebook, MySpace, etc.): Facebook - Nancy Hughbanks for Maize BOE http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=58835085915

The Wichita Eagle invited candidates in some contested races in Sedgwick, Butler and Sumner counties to respond to questions about key issues. You can compare the candidates and their responses side by side, and create your own printable or e-mailable ballot. The responses are largely unedited and presented as the candidates sent them to us.